PROMISE (Improving Mental Health Supports for People with Multiple Sclerosis in Ireland) is a Health Research Board (HRB) funded research project led by Dr Rebecca Maguire in the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University in partnership with MS Ireland and guided by input from a variety of clinical, patient and academic partners. PROMISE seeks to identify which mental health interventions are most effective for people living with MS and what is needed to improve the delivery of mental health services and supports for people with MS in Ireland.
The development of PROMISE was directly informed by findings from the 2023 My MS My Needs survey which identified mental health needs as the highest unmet needs for people living with MS in Ireland. This builds on extensive research that has shown the significant emotional and psychological impact of living with a lifelong neurological condition and the need for greater access to appropriate mental health supports.
The PROMISE project is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), Ireland's lead funding agency supporting innovative health research and delivering data and evidence that improves people's health and patient care. The HRB is committed to putting people first and ensuring that data and evidence are used in policy and practice to overcome health challenges, advance health systems, and benefit society and the economy.
Speaking following the meeting, Ava Battles, CEO of MS Ireland, said:
"The findings of our My MS My Needs survey sent a very clear message that mental health is a priority for people living with MS. PROMISE represents an important opportunity to build the evidence needed to improve mental health interventions and ensure that people with MS can access the supports they need. We were delighted to have the opportunity to discuss this important work with Minister Butler and to highlight the value of continued investment in research that has the potential to improve lives."
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of integrating mental health into the overall care of people living with MS and to highlight the potential impact of the PROMISE project on future policy and service development.
MS Ireland looks forward to continuing its collaboration with Maynooth University, the HRB and the wider research community to ensure that the voices and experiences of people living with MS remain at the heart of research and innovation.
PROMISE is funded by the Health Research Board Ireland (grant APA-2024-018) in collaboration with MS Ireland